ConceptReading like a writer (RLW) is to turn reading into a critic and conscious process in which the reader identify the author's choices and analyses whether or not they are worthy using in his/her own writing.
Objective"Reading to learn about writing" (p. 72), that is, "to locate what you believe are the most important writerly choices represented in the text" (p. 72) and to assess them in order to make, or not, use of such constructions in one's own texts.
Differences from "normal" readingThe purpose of the "normal" reading is to acquire information, while in RLW the goal is to be able to identify, analyse and assess the writing choices made by the author, considering them useful or not.
ImportanceRLW helps students better their writing by building their own knowledge about the process through the study of others' experiences. "This kind of reading is (...) one of the very best ways to learn how to write well" (p. 75).
What to consider before readingContextual information:
Author's purpose;
Author's audience;
Genre: the structures used for different types of texts vary widely;
Consider whether the piece of writing was published or student-produced, keeping in mind that "all writing can be improved" (p. 78);
Are you reading the text to write another based on it?
What to consider while readingFollow-up questions:
Is the author's purpose being fulfilled?
Is the audience being reached?
What is it about the way this text is written that makes you feel and respond the way you do?
Language style: analyse its link to the audience;
Evidences: appropriation and effectiveness;
Confusing parts: existence and cause;
Transition strategies: existence and effectiveness.
What to do while readingHelping yourself reading like a writer:
Highlight important parts;
Make comments;
Take notes;
Write summaries during and after reading;
Ask yourself follow-up questions;
Ask yourself for possible improvements.
The importance of practicing"The more you practice, the quicker the process becomes until you're reading like a writer almost automatically" (p. 85).
Conclusion"Questioning why the author made certain decisions. Considering what techniques could have made the text better. Deciding how to include the best attributes of what you read in your own writing. This is what Reading Like a Writer is all about" (p. 85)
ConceptReading like a writer (RLW) is to turn reading into a critic and conscious process in which the reader identify the author's choices and analyses whether or not they are worthy using in his/her own writing.
Objective"Reading to learn about writing" (p. 72), that is, "to locate what you believe are the most important writerly choices represented in the text" (p. 72) and to assess them in order to make, or not, use of such constructions in one's own texts.
Differences from "normal" readingThe purpose of the "normal" reading is to acquire information, while in RLW the goal is to be able to identify, analyse and assess the writing choices made by the author, considering them useful or not.
ImportanceRLW helps students better their writing by building their own knowledge about the process through the study of others' experiences. "This kind of reading is (...) one of the very best ways to learn how to write well" (p. 75).
What to consider before readingContextual information:
What to consider while readingFollow-up questions:
What to do while readingHelping yourself reading like a writer:
The importance of practicing"The more you practice, the quicker the process becomes until you're reading like a writer almost automatically" (p. 85).
Conclusion"Questioning why the author made certain decisions. Considering what techniques could have made the text better. Deciding how to include the best attributes of what you read in your own writing. This is what Reading Like a Writer is all about" (p. 85)